The Thomasina Cat Sanctuary was founded in small premises in Zurrieq in 1990. At that time 50 to 60 cats were kept. In 1995 the National Cat Society took over and the Sanctuary was moved to the present day premises in Luqa Road, Qormi.
At the beginning, and till a few years ago, the National Cat Society used to organize Open Days and fundraisers at the Sanctuary. This is no longer possible as the premises forms part of the School of Agriculture and since then there has been a change in the management who no longer permit the Sanctuary to organize fundraising activities within the premises. Now our only fundraising activity is the weekly bazaar we organize at Sliema on Sunday afternoons.
Some years ago the Government promised the Society some new premises but this promise seems to have fallen by the wayside.
What the Sanctuary needs is namely money. Keeping a garbage skip where all the rubbish is collected to be disposed later costs the Sanctuary Lm17.50 i.e. about £27-£28 a month. Disinfectant is about £40 monthly. Three or more cats are neutered per week and these cost the Sanctuary anything up to £60 a week. Vets do give the Sanctuary a discount but……… Veterinary bills for sick animals accumulate as well. An emergency service for sick animals exists but this costs in the region of £18 just for the vet to see the animal and then there is the visit and the medicines.
Another problem for the Sanctuary is the lack of space and volunteers. There are in our care over 400 cats and even though we do our best to take care of them we cannot keep them in the best condition possible. A very big expenditure is food. We have no sponsorship for food and this causes a hefty bill.
The National Cat Society does have some kind persons who contribute financially to the Sanctuary. To these persons the Sanctuary is forever grateful. These contributions mean a lot to us but they are only a drop in the ocean of the Sanctuary's financial needs.
Visitors are always welcome but an appointment has to be made as the Sanctuary, due to the lack of volunteers, is not manned all the time.
At the beginning, and till a few years ago, the National Cat Society used to organize Open Days and fundraisers at the Sanctuary. This is no longer possible as the premises forms part of the School of Agriculture and since then there has been a change in the management who no longer permit the Sanctuary to organize fundraising activities within the premises. Now our only fundraising activity is the weekly bazaar we organize at Sliema on Sunday afternoons.
Another problem for the Sanctuary is the lack of space and volunteers. There are in our care over 400 cats and even though we do our best to take care of them we cannot keep them in the best condition possible. A very big expenditure is food. We have no sponsorship for food and this causes a hefty bill.